We arrived at around 5:30PM and found the shop completely empty. Our order of Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken) arrived just 5 minutes later—already a red flag. Freshly grilled chicken, especially bone‑in drumsticks, typically requires some time on the grill to reach the proper internal temperature and achieve tender, juicy meat. That speed suggested our chicken wasn't freshly grilled at all.
When my order of grilled drumstick arrived, I couldn’t even distinguish its shape—it appeared disintegrated, as if mashed. The texture was rough, dry, and darkened by the sauce, consistent with chicken that's been overcooked or reheated, rather than grilled fresh.
The first bite confirmed it: the chicken was merely warm, not hot—and completely lacking the expected tenderness of a properly grilled drumstick. The dryness and dull texture further reinforced the impression that it had likely been previously cooked and merely reheated to serve.
In contrast, the beancurd and fried tempeh were both hot and crispy, which was the only redeeming part—and yet, that wasn't why I visited. When the main dish falls flat, sides can't save the experience.
Within five minutes of receiving the food, we left most of it untouched. Hungry for proper ayam bakar, we crossed the border to Kallang Wave Mall and finally felt our craving fulfilled. The photos make it obvious which dish came from Ayam Penyet Express and which from the other place—no mystery there.
Conclusion: Quality control at APE is lacking. The speed of service and condition of the chicken suggest shortcuts— pre-cooked and reheated—rather than fresh preparation. If management wants to maintain a basic standard, it's essential to properly train staff (especially foreign workers) and focus on maintaining the quality of the food. Otherwise, cost-cutting will catch up—with poor food quality and customer dissatisfaction without proper or competent supervision.
I should have asked for a refund - one visit was one too many.
Bybie Ahna
3
Sorry for the less rating due to fish and soup a bit salty and the honeydew drink is sweet... Otherwise Great Value, Cozy Environment, Fast Service and Staff Good Manner and Friendly 😃😃😃
Other than that no worries, I manage to finish my food because I'm starving😅😅😅 Just only my drink couldn't finish it because I cannot tolerate the taste😔😔😔 Forgive Me🙏🙏🙏Btw Thanks so much😃😃😃
Shalini
3
I've been coming to this restaurant several times and while I personally love their ayam penyet sambal, soup, and terong balado, there are some notable issues. The taste of the chicken is not consistent and often tastes as if it's old, not fresh. The same goes for the fish, which is oddly very small for a Tilapia.
I recently encountered a very unpleasant experience with a waiter. My drink came with too much ice, so I requested a male waiter, who was very close to me, to remove the ice cubes. To my surprise, he said he was wiping the table and asked me to walk to the sink and remove the ice myself. I’m okay with removing the ice myself, but the tone he used was a bit disrespectful. He didn't even try to call his coworkers to help or ask me to wait until he was done. The worst part of the whole conversation is that he asked me, ‘habis tu??’, when i actually asked for help to remove the ice. It was not a peak period; I came in around 5:30 PM and only about six tables were occupied.
Being a waiter is not merely about keeping the place clean and serving food. They play a big part in customer service, and their attitude, body language, and way of talking to customers are crucial as they represent the restaurant.
I have been to many restaurants and never once have I been asked to do something like this over the sink. I’m quite disappointed with both the food and the service.
Miss MoMo
2
food came cold, & the fried chicken was not even crispy. the beancurd & petai looked sad & pale. only the sambal chilli tasted normal & packed a punch. perhaps we had higher expectations closer to ayam penyet ria or ayam penyet president, so we were thoroughly disappointed. won't ever return 😓
Noorzidah M N
4
Very spacious restaurant. We went there almost closing time. Fast service. Ayam penyet not bad and quite filling. Good soup base for bakso. Kangkung is really spicy.
varavin kumar
1
The food very bland.. Not fresh at all.. Not worth for the price too. Kankung belacan so watery, not even seasoning just have cili padi taste. No recommendated.
Mr Orca
1
Order the Special penyet combo turn out to be the worst food ever . The chicken is dehydrated!!! The beef ball like rock hard beef have weird taste and tofu is sour . Not recommended!!! And lastly the soup is just pure oil !!!!!
Sem0101
1
Customer service was terrible.
Made order through the QR menu and went to cashier counter but apparently QR is only for cashless payment.
Repeated my order for lunch set, but was charged separately for my food and drinks instead. Asked the cashier but they insisted that I did not order the 'set' menu. Who in the right mind would pay extra for the exact same things?
ApisNano Studio
5
Best view,good service,nice staff
Khairil Qistina
5
Food nice with amazing taste, environment cozy, staff service very nice. Recommend to come again !!